Larix laricina Tamarack (Pinaceae) Deciduous tree

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Larix laricina
Tamarack
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Larix laricina plant species is found in Northern N. America - Alaska to Labrador, south to West Virginia. It is a member of the Pinaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Tamarack. Some home gardeners know the variety as L. americana.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Larix laricina
Common Name:  Tamarack
Family:  Pinaceae
Author:  (Du Roi.)Koch.

Known Hazards:  Sawdust from the wood has ben known to cause dermatitis in some people[222].

Mature Height:  18   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Often forming pure forests in the south of its range in swamps and wet soils[43, 82, 222], sometimes also on dry plateaus or slopes in the north of its range[82, 226].

General Uses: Resin is extracted by tapping the trunk. It is obtained from near the centre of the trunk[171], one properly made borehole can be used for 20 - 30 years[64]. The resin has a wide range of uses including wood preservatives, medicinal etc. The hole is made in the spring and the resin extracted in the autumn[64]. The roots have been used as a sewing material in canoes and to make durable bags[257]. The bark contains tannin[229]. Wood - very strong, heavy, hard, durable even in water. It weighs 39lb per cubic foot and is used for telegraph poles, fence posts etc[46, 61, 171, 226, 235]. The roots are often curved by as much as 90° and are used by builders of small ships[226].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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